Donald Driver Left His Mark With The Green Bay Packers

By AJEnno

Jeff Hanlsch-USA TODAY Sports

The time has finally come, 14 years of success has finally come to an end for the Green Bay Packers‘Donald Driver. The former seventh round pick rose above it all during his time with the Packers. Driver announced his retirement Thursday morning on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning.” It was no surprise to Packer faithful, who had realized during this past season that Driver’s time with the Packers had finally come to an end.

Driver proved to be faithful to the organization who was faithful to him at the beginning of his career. Rumors had swirled that the Minnesota Vikings were interested in signing Driver. It would be a head scratching move for the Vikings, but not the first time the rival was trying to take a Packers legend. In the end, Driver will be a Packer forever.

Driver retires from the Packers holding most of the franchise receiving records:

Receptions: 743

Most Seasons, 50 or More Receptions: 9

Most Consecutive Games, Reception: 133

Most Yards Receiving, Career: 10,137

Driver also set the Packers unofficial record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 yard receiving season’s with six.

When Driver was drafted by the Packers in 1999, no one really had any expectations for the receiver. He did nothing but prove all of his doubters wrong. He scored his first touchdown December 12, 1999, and his last touchdown came November 28, at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s 14 years of success with one team, something that doesn’t happen in sports today. With all the big money contracts and free agency a player rarely finishes his career with the team he came in with. Driver is the exception to that rule, and a great exception at that.

The last class act of Driver’s career will come Wednesday, February 6. Driver plans to hold a public retirement for all of his fans in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Tickets were given out for free, upon Driver’s request.

As a lifelong Packer fan I’d like to thank Driver, and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.